Shopping & Services

As the holiday season approaches, and in light of the three recent kidnapping and robbery incidents at the Westfield Wheaton shopping mall, Montgomery County Police would like to offer this comprehensive list of tips to help keep residents safe while shopping, while walking, and while at home. While opportunities for robberies and burglaries increase during the holiday season, many robberies and burglaries can be prevented by keeping these safety tips in mind.

On Black Friday, millions of shoppers will visit jcpenney stores across the country as they kick-off their holiday shopping. Over 500 deals will be offered including over 150 styles of women’s boots at $19.99 or $29.99 each, an Xersion premium down coat for $39.88 and Nerf, Barbie and Fisher Price toys only $3.99 each.

Seasonal consignment shopping is a fast growing trend, especially for baby and children's items. Kids grow so fast, and items like clothes, strollers, car seats, cribs and toys seem barely used. It is for this reason that Tot Swap, Maryland's largest consignment sale for kids, babies, and teens, has added a new summer sale in addition to a fall and spring sale at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg.

“Families come in, they bring their merchandise and they resell it to other families who are in need of toys, shoes, bedding, DVDs, books, and clothes. We have tons of anything and everything for children at a fraction of the cost,” said Totswap’s Robyn Rutland.

Truffle Truffle has taken chocolate to a whole new level with their beer & pretzel inspired collection of handmade truffles, caramels, marshmallows, and brittle. The sweet and saltiness of the the pretzels combined with the intense flavor provided by a reduction of Rogue Chocolate Stout beer...need we say more?

beer & pretzel brittle

Crunchy, beer infused, brittle that has been dipped in milk chocolate and rolled in salty pretzels.

Just as the temperature begins to show signs of heating up, and my flower beds begin to show signs of life beyond winter, I found the most gorgeous collection of silk photo albums that are simply too elegant to forget. And in fact, I was invited to a fabulous black tie event last weekend at my friend, Lynda's home (yes, her home!) and I so wish that I had come across these works of art before I settled on something lovely as a hostess gift-- but not nearly as special.

With the holiday season upon us, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office offers a few prevention measures that can help keep holiday shopping fun and joyous for everyone.

-Whenever possible shop during daylight hours. If you must shop at night, use the buddy system.-Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.- Always stay alert to your surroundings.-Be extra careful if you carry a wallet or purse.- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.- Avoid overloading yourself with packages.- Park in well lit parking lots.- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.- Contact the police immediately if you believe you are a victim of a crime.- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.